Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Mental Health

You have probably heard reports that
omega-3 fatty acids
may offer
cardiovascular benefits, especially for people with high triglyceride levels. But can they affect mental health conditions? Can omega-3s ease psychological symptoms?

What Are Omega-3 Fatty Acids?

Omega-3s are a kind of polyunsaturated (good) fat that come in different forms:

If you or someone you know has a mental health condition, you may be wondering if omega-3s have been successful as a natural treatment.

What Does the Research Say?

Researchers have studied omega-3s as a potential treatment for a range of mental health conditions. The overall evidence is mixed, though.

Depression

Depression
is a mood disorder that is marked by feelings of a persistent low mood and a lack of interest in activities. Treatment typically involves antidepressant medications and therapy.

Some studies do support the use of omega-3s in people with depression. A review of 35 studies found that these fatty acids may improve depressive symptoms and people with severe symptoms may experience a greater benefit.

Three small studies found that EPA might help improve symptoms in people not having success with antidepressants.

Also, organizations like the American Psychological Association suggest that omega-3s may be useful as an addition to antidepressant therapy. In one small study, people who took both antidepressants and omega-3s experienced more of an improvement compared to those who took their medication and a placebo.

Not all of the findings have been positive, though. A large study involving 432 people found that omega-3s do not appear to reduce symptoms in people who have depression. Researchers also looked at people with both depression and heart disease. Those that took the antidepressant sertraline and omega-3s did not experience a greater improvement than those that took sertraline and placebo; and a smaller study of 36 people found that DHA did not help improve depressive symptoms.

With these mixed results, it is difficult to say that omega-3s are clearly helpful in relieving depression, alone or in combination with an antidepressant.

Bipolar Disorder

A person who has
bipolar disorder
experiences extreme swings in mood, as well as changes in energy, and the ability to function. Along with counseling, various medications are used to treat this condition.

Not as many studies have been done on bipolar disorder and omega-3s. A review of 5 studies found that there is not enough evidence to determine the effectiveness of these fatty acids for treating bipolar disorder.

One study in the review, along with several smaller studies, have shown some benefit for depressive symptoms of bipolar disorder.

Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia
is a severe brain disorder that includes symptoms like hallucinations, delusions, and paranoia. Antipsychotics and supportive therapy are common treatments.

In a review of eight studies involving 517 people, researchers did not find enough evidence to support the use of omega-3s to treat schizophrenia. One study in this review did show some improvement in the mental state of those taking omega-3s.

Researchers have discovered, though, some promising news in the area of prevention. Teens and young adults who are at an extremely high risk of having a psychotic disorder, including schizophrenia, may be able to delay its onset by taking omega-3 supplements. One downside is that since this study focused on a very specific group, it is hard to apply the results to a larger population.

Borderline Personality Disorder

Borderline personality disorder
(BPD) is a challenging condition that can involve emotional issues, including impulsivity and severe interpersonal problems. Behavioral therapy and antidepressants are often used to improve symptoms.

A review of 28 studies involving 1,742 people with BPD found that medications and supplements, including omega-3s, might not be helpful in improving symptoms. In one small study, though, 30 women with moderate to severe BPD experienced an improvement in their feelings of depression and aggression while taking EPA.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

People who have
attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
(ADHD) may be hyperactive, impulsive, and inattentive. These symptoms often interfere with school and work. In addition to behavioral therapy, there are many medications available to treat ADHD.

There is some evidence that omega-3 and
omega-6
(another type of fatty acid) might help some children and teens with ADHD. Seventy-five children were randomized to receive the fatty acids or a placebo for 3 months. Those who took omega-3 and omega-6 supplements had an improvement in their symptoms.

A review of 13 studies with 1,011 children and adolescents had mixed results. There was limited evidence that ADHD symptoms improved in children taking omega-3 and omega-6 supplements. In children taking omega-3 alone however, no improvement in ADHD symptoms was seen.

If You Are Thinking About Taking Omega 3s...

Researchers continue to study the effects of omega-3s for the treatment of mental health conditions. While this area is still being explored, you may be interested in adding more omega-3 rich foods to your diet and possibly taking a daily supplement.

If you do take omega-3s, keep these things in mind:

In general, omega-3 supplements are safe. But there is a possibility that they can increase bleeding, especially in people who are taking blood-thinning medications. So, it is important that you talk to your doctor before taking omega-3s.

Make sure that the supplements that you buy do not have toxic contaminants, like mercury.

Also, be aware that sometimes omega-3s are paired with vitamins
A
and
D. Since these are fat-soluble vitamins, they can reach toxic levels in your body when taken in excess. You may want to buy omega-3s that do not include these vitamins.

Never use omega-3s as a replacement for psychiatric medications. There are conventional treatments that have shown success, like antidepressants and behavioral therapy. Be sure that you work with your doctor to get the best care possible. Do not try to treat any mental health condition on your own.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.